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20 Jan 2007 |
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The World Through Their Eyes PRESS RELEASE Singapore, 20 January 2007 – “The World Through Their Eyes”, a student-initiated project with the support of Young NTUC, aims to educate parents and teachers about learning disabilities and to create public awareness for such conditions that may be affecting up to ten percent of local school children. Organized by Bespectacled – a group of final year students from the Wee Kim Wee School of Communication and Information, NTU, in partnership with the Autism Resource Centre (ARC), the Dyslexia Association of Singapore (DAS) and the Society for the Promotion of ADHD Research and Knowledge (SPARK), “The World Through Their Eyes” promises to let participants see the world through the eyes of autistic, dyslexic and hyperactive children. Bespectacled also took the opportunity to build a bridge for one of Young NTUC’s interest groups – Team Young NTUC: Community Service – with the VWOs. The aim of Young NTUC’s support originated from a series of collaboration with students-initiated projects in 2006. Through these projects, Young NTUC was able to play the role of a friend and a mentor to guide the students on organizing their social entrepreneurship projects. By inviting Mrs Josephine Teo, Member of Parliament for Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC, as the Guest-of-Honour for this event, and her being the Director to the Youth Development Unit of NTUC, is significant in raising awareness of the worthy cause to union members, young teachers, young parents and young volunteers. The drive behind the campaign comes from the organizers’ strong belief that more needs to be done to increase awareness for learning disabilities in Singapore. This is in line with government efforts to build a more inclusive society and help the less fortunate. Kick-starting “The World Through Their Eyes” campaign will be a seminar, to be held on 20 January 2007 at the NTUC Centre, One Marina Boulevard. The seminar will be a half-day event consisting of talks conducted by the partner organizations, parent volunteers and a psychologist. Response has been overwhelming with confirmed attendees exceeding the original target of 100. The month-long campaign will also include two exhibitions and a mandarin workshop specially catered for the Chinese-educated. This is the first time a group of undergraduate students is working with the three welfare organizations concurrently on a large scale education and awareness campaign. Mrs. Bella Chin, President of SPARK, feels that more can be done for the underprivileged in society and the campaign offers a great platform for the organizations to communicate to the public. “It is very gratifying to see youths championing a cause and trying to make a difference when Singaporeans in general adopt a out of sight, out of mind mentality towards learning disabilities”, she says. “The World Through Their Eyes” is sponsored by Young NTUC and supported by Central CDC. Seminar Programme 1300 – 1310 --- Opening Address by GOH, Mrs Josephine Teo, MP, Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC 1310 – 1350 --- “Fundamentals of Autism” by Mrs Stephenie Khoo – Head of WeCAN Early Intervention Programme, ARC 1400 – 1440 --- “I am not naughty, I have ADHD” by Mrs Bella Chin – President of SPARK 1440 – 1515 --- Break for refreshments 1515 – 1555 --- “Dyslexia – Signs and Symptoms” by Mr Adam Oei – Specialist Psychologist, DAS 1600 – 1640 --- “A Parent's Journey in bringing up a Child with Autism” by Ms Jacquelyn Ang, Parent of child with autism 1640 – 1700 --- Discussion session 1700 --- Event Conclusion
“The World Through Their Eyes” is an awareness campaign for learning disability organized by Bespectacled – a group of final year students from the Wee Kim Wee School of Communication and Information, NTU in partnership with the Autism Resource Centre (ARC), the Dyslexia Association of Singapore (DAS) and the Society for the Promotion of ADHD Research and Knowledge (SPARK). Targeted at parents and teachers, the campaign hopes to empower caregivers with accurate knowledge and to dispel myths about learning disabilities. Campaign Schedule:
About NTU Wee Kim Wee School of Communication and Information The Wee Kim Wee School of Communication and Information, established in 1992, meets the demand in Singapore and the region for well-trained personnel to staff the media industry and information services through its quality undergraduate and graduate communication and information degree programmes. Its mission is to educate and nurture communication and information professionals and academics, to advance knowledge, and to serve society. About Young NTUC Young NTUC was launched on 30th April 2005. Formerly known as the NTUC Youth Committee, Young NTUC is the official youth wing of the National Trades Union Congress. With 135,000 members below 35 years old, Young NTUC is the largest youth movement in Singapore. Working with the youth chapters of the 63 NTUC affiliated unions, Young NTUC aims to reach out to the young workforce in Singapore, representing them as a voice and thus helping to advance the cause of the labour movement here. For more information, please log on to www.youngntuc.org.sg/wtte or contact: Jason Tan |
